Bio

OAKVILLE – There was never any doubt that Humber women's volleyball would be golden this year. From the get-go, Humber was ranked among the nation's elite company of collegiate volleyball programs. They rolled through their regular season opponents and carried their momentum into the postseason. The Hawks never lost a set in the playoffs and capped off their phenomenal season as back-to-back OCAA Champions. 

No. 2 Humber swept the No. 9 Durham Lords in straight sets, 3-0, with set scores of 25-12, 25-23, and 25-20. The Hawks dominated from the first serve and overcame any slumps they endured during the match. Durham fought hard until the end, but Humber proved why they deserved to be crowned provincial champions. Keyome Ellis led the team in scoring with 10.5 points. Ellis and Leah Serlin both recorded a team-high three aces, while Erika Dodd finished with nine points and five digs.

Match Recap

Although the teams never met, Humber and Durham were in a season-long clash for the top spot in Ontario. The squads were neck and neck and brought their respective winning streaks late into the regular season. If you could bet on who would be battling for the OCAA gold medal, the Hawks and Lords would have been favourites all season long. 

Humber and Durham have met four previous times in the gold medal match, with the Hawks walking away as champions on three occasions. Humber was ready to defend their title from 2022 and continue their winning streak against Durham in the finals. Meanwhile, the Lords hoped to stand atop the provincial podium for the first time in 21 years. With fans on their feet and the players set, this gold medal match was set and promised to be exciting. 

The Hawks began the game red-hot with an 8-1 run that saw Keyome Ellis with two straight aces. Durham began to inch back with a stretch of points, but sloppy play from the Lords cost them points. Durham committed two net violations, and Humber found themselves ahead by double digits. The Hawks cruised to a quick set win, putting pressure on their opponents to perform in the next set. 

Durham took their first lead of the match after going on a 4-1 run, but the Hawks recovered quickly and knotted the set at five. Neither side could gain momentum as fans at Sheridan College watched the team's trade points. It wasn't until late in the set that Humber opened the floodgates and strung together winning rallies. Durham kept it close, but the Hawks claimed the second set and took a commanding 2-0 set lead. 

With the gold medal on the line, Durham knew they needed to give it their all. The Lords came out hot, going on an 8-2 run that saw the court tilt in their favour. Humber didn't want the game to go another set, and the defending OCAA champions came clawing back, subbing in Ara Telan, who helped the Hawks regain the momentum. Humber tied the game at 11 after a 9-3 run, and the team didn't stop there. After Durham committed their fourth net violation of the match, the Hawks hurdled ahead to a dominant lead late in the set. 

The Lords were tenacious and made it close; however, a Durham service error awarded Humber a 3-0 match win and their second-straight OCAA Championship. As the ball hit the net, the Hawks erupted and celebrated their victory on the court. Keyome Ellis, who co-led the Hawks with three aces, was named the player of the match and all-tournament team honours alongside Cassidy Andrews, while OCAA Player of the Year Erika Dodd was named MVP of the postseason. Dodd posted a team-high eight kills in the match. 

Humber Highlights

• Humber captured its 13th title in 15 seasons and the 15th title during the Coach Wilkins era.
• Cassidy Andrews finished as the leading scorer for Humber during the postseason, finishing with 37.5 points in 11 sets.
• The Hawks improve to 17-6 in the OCAA gold medal match.
• It was the third time since 2015 the Hawks have defeated Durham in the OCAA title game.
• Women's volleyball now has 27 OCAA medals through 37 seasons.